By Chinenye Anuforo
In recognition of World Environment Day, themed “land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience,” AstraZeneca has underscored its commitment to tackling climate change and biodiversity loss.
Aligned with the UN Environment Programme’s #GenerationRestoration call to action prioritizing land revival, desertification eradication, and water security, AstraZeneca’s AZ Forest program and water stewardship initiatives demonstrate the interconnectedness of environmental and human health. These efforts foster climate resilience, improve air and water quality, and support biodiversity.
By 2030, AstraZeneca aims to plant and maintain 200 million trees across six continents through AZ Forest. This global project, focusing on agroforestry, degraded land rehabilitation, and natural forest restoration, collaborates with local communities and restoration specialists. It maximizes the benefits of reforestation, including reducing natural disaster risks, promoting sustainable livelihoods, strengthening climate resilience, and safeguarding biodiversity.
“At AstraZeneca, we recognize the fundamental link between planetary well-being and human health,” said Deepak Arora, Country President, African Cluster at AstraZeneca. “Our dedication to environmental sustainability in Africa, exemplified by AZ Forest and water stewardship efforts, goes beyond planting trees and conserving water. It’s about building resilience and enhancing the quality of life in the communities we serve. On World Environment Day, we stand proudly alongside local partners to protect our environment and ensure a healthier, more sustainable future for all.”
In Ghana’s Atebubu and Sene West districts, AstraZeneca collaborates with the Circular Bioeconomy Alliance and New Generation Plantation Technical Assistance to restore over 8,000 hectares of degraded land. By the end of 2023, 23 communities participated, planting over 3.8 million trees. This community-led project aims to plant 4.7 million trees and utilizes environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis to monitor freshwater biodiversity impacts.
AstraZeneca is committed to water quality improvement, efficient use promotion, and ecosystem protection. Working with local communities helps identify shared challenges like water scarcity, pollution, and habitat loss. These combined efforts aim to enhance water security and climate resilience. Rainwater harvesting systems and constructed wetlands have been implemented to improve water quality and availability for local communities. These efforts contribute to AstraZeneca’s membership in the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS), where the company actively promotes good water stewardship practices across its sites.
AstraZeneca is collaborating with industry peers to develop a groundbreaking Roadmap to Nature Positive specifically tailored to the pharmaceutical sector. This roadmap aims to accelerate business involvement and initiatives that achieve the overarching societal goal of nature positivity. By providing sector-specific guidance, these collective efforts seek to drive tangible progress and ensure a sustainable future for both the pharmaceutical industry and the environment.
AstraZeneca’s global reforestation and water stewardship initiatives exemplify the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Through collaborative efforts, AstraZeneca actively contributes to planetary preservation. By fostering partnerships and leveraging innovative solutions, the company is paving the way for a greener, healthier future for generations to come.